Ducks' search for a coach moving into high gear

The Ducks’ coaching search has picked up steam as several names have surfaced to fill the last vacancy in the NHL.

In addition to Dallas Eakins, coach of their minor league affiliate San Diego Gulls, others in the mix are Dallas Stars assistant coach Todd Nelson and New York Islanders assistant coach Lane Lambert, the Los Angeles Times confirmed. Rick Bowness, another Dallas assistant, is also under consideration, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray is expected to do interviews this week, but he is attending this week’s NHL scouting combine in Buffalo, N.Y. It is not known if Eakins will have a formal interview because Murray is already familiar with him, and…